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Small-Scale Water Current Turbines for River Applications

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Small-Scale Water Current Turbines for River Applications Small-scale Water Current Turbines for River Applications January 2010 Kari Sørnes About ZERO Zero Emission Resource Organization is an environmental organization dedicated to reducing climate change by demonstrating and gaining acceptance for zero emission energy solutions. We believe a zero emission solution exists for all energy use. Our mission is to work consistently for these solutions. Contact us at: ZERO – Zero Emission Resoruce Organisation Maridalsveien 10 0178 Oslo www.zero.no [email protected] Table Of Contents Summary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 1Introduction����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 2�1ConversionandOperation��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 2�1�1ConversionSchemes����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 2TheTechnologyofWaterCurrentTurbines��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 2�1�2Augmentation��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 2�1�3TheFlowoftheRiverandSitingConsiderations������������������������������������������������������������� 7 3Companiesandtechnologies��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 3�2Companiesandconcepts����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 3�2�1ThroptonEnergyServices(UK)����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 3�2�2AlternativeHydroSolutionsLtd�(Canada)������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 3�2�3EnergyAlliance(Russia)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11 3�2�4NewEnergyCorporationInc�(Canada)������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 3�2�5SeabellInternationalCo�,Ltd�(Japan)������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 3�2�6LucidEnergyTechnologies(US)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 14 3�2�7TidalEnergyPty�Ltd�(Australia)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15 3�2�8EclecticEnergyLtd�(UK)����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 4Researchandexperiences�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17 5Discussion����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 6References����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 ZERO - Small-scale Water Current Turbines for River Applications Summary The purpose of this report is to get an overview of the existing technology of water current turbines with a unit power output of about 0.5-5 kW. Water current turbines, or hydrokinetic turbines, pro- duce electricity directly from the flowing water in a river or a stream. No dam or artificial head is needed to produce the small-scale power output. Several of the devices mentioned in the report may have appli- cation in tidal waters, ocean currents and manmade channels, but the scope of this report is limited to ap- plications in free-flowing rivers. Reviews of the most common existing turbine tech- nologies are outlined. The two most common small- scale hydrokinetic turbine concepts are axial flow turbine and cross-flow turbine. Of importance for the power production is whether the turbine is ducted or not. Where to place the turbine must also be well considered. The report summarizes the commercial market which exists in this field and considers some previous experiences in rural areas. Several companies from different parts of the world are presented with their concept. To find the companies which are established and emerging within this field, a web-based search is performed. Previous reports dealing with this subject are also reviewed. Small-scale hydro power from water current turbines is considered to be reliable and ecologically friendly. Because of the low cost and the longevity of micro hydro, developing countries may manufacture and implement the technology to help supply the needed electricity to small communities in remote areas. Discussions on performance analysis and modelling issues are beyond the scope of this work. ZERO - Small-scale Water Current Turbines for River Applications 1 Introduction The natural power of a running river or a stream has For the scope of this report the focus was on appli- been of interest for electricity production for many cations in free-flowing rivers, although several of the years. The technology of small-scale hydro power is devices may have applications in tidal waters, ocean diverse, and different concepts have been developed currents and man-made channels. and tried out. This report will focus on water current turbines with a unit power output of about 0.5-5 kW. Short reviews of some of the existing turbine tech- These turbines are supposed to be used for domestic nologies are outlined. The paper will also look at the electricity applications such as lighting, battery char- commercial market in this field and consider some ging, or for the use of a small fridge. The units are experiences already made in rural areas in different small, cheap and often owned, installed, and used by parts of the world. In order to find the existing tech- a single family. nologies and companies with viable concepts, a web- based search is accomplished. Earlier written reports Water current turbines, also called hydro kinetic or are also reviewed. in-stream turbines, have received a growing interest in many parts of the world. Two main areas where Discussions on performance analysis and modelling hydrokinetic devices can be used for power genera- issues are beyond the scope of this work. tion purposes are tidal currents and river streams. This report will focus on water current turbines for This report have been made with financial support river applications. These turbines generate power from Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development from the kinetic energy of a flowing stream of water Cooperation. without the use of a dam or a barrage. Water current turbines can be installed in any flow with a velocity greater than 0.5 m/s [1]. Because of low investment costs and maintenance fees, this technology is cost effective in comparison to other technologies. The continuous supply of electrical energy is also an ad- vantage in comparison to solar power or other small- scale renewable technologies. This kind of small-scale hydropower is considered environmentally friendly, meaning that the water passing through the generator is directed back into the stream with relatively small impact on the surrounding ecology. Small-scale water current turbines can be a solution for power supply in remote areas. Because of the low cost and durability of this kind of hydro power, de- veloping countries can manufacture and implement the technology to supply the needed electricity to small communities and villages [2]. There are different kinds of small-scale hydropower. The term “pico hydropower” is said to be water power up to 5kW and is a smaller version of the more esta- blished term; micro hydropower. Pico hydropower is usually used when we think of hydropower on a regu- lar basis, where the power is made by falling water and an artificial water-head. The report will not consider this type of hydropower. The report will mainly focus on kinetic “in-stream” hydro turbines. These turbines produce electricity from the free-flowing water in a river or stream and do not rely upon a water-head to produce electricity. ZERO - Small-scale Water Current Turbines for River Applications 2 The Technology of Water Current Turbines Water current turbines, or hydrokinetic turbines, produce electricity directly from the flowing water in a river or a stream. The energy flux of the water stream is dependent on the density, cross-sectional area and velocity cubed (eq. 2.0.1). A number of dif- ferent concepts have been developed to utilise this power throughout the world. While turbine systems are considered prime choices for such conversion, other non-turbine possibilities are also being pursued with interest. At present, the non-turbine systems are mostly at the prototype stage. [3] This report will thus exclusively focus on turbine systems. (2.0.1) P = Power (watt) ρ = Water density (kg/m3) Figure 2.1.1.2: Cross-folw turbines [4] Ck= Power coefficient A = Turbine area ( m2) lel to the incoming water stream. This is illustrated V = Velocity of water (m/s) in figure 2.1.1.1. The inclined axis turbines (a) have mostly been studied for small river energy converters. 2.1 Conversion and Operation The horizontal axis (b, c and d) turbines are common When considering the possible use of a water cur- in tidal energy converters and are very similar to mo- rent turbine on river applications, several issues are dern day wind turbines from design and structural of concern with regards to the power
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